Battle of the Pumpkin Spice Lattes: Comparing Four

Pumpkin is one of those fruits that is most emblematic of the Autumn season.

Forget about its obvious benefits like being Atkin's Diet-friendly, full of vitamins, and a powerful digestive aid (fiber baby, fiber). We want to eat it, drink it, and smother it all over our bodies in a display of consensual and messy affection.

That's why we get giddy when Starbucks unveils their Pumpkin Spice Latte every year. It's a sign of the upcoming holiday season and a sign our waists and hearts will be soon expanding with happiness.

Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter were aflutter as soon as the mega-coffee chain rolled out the drink this year. But despite its popularity, Starbucks' version is certainly not the only one you can find around town - and not the tastiest.

We said it. Be fair and read our reviews of the five best pumpkin spice lattes after the jump before deeming Clean Plate Charlie the most blasphemous of blasphemers.

4. Panera

Did someone just poop in our cup and call it a latte? Maybe we're being dramatic but this one pales in comparison, especially after being spoiled by the three other pumpkin lattes.

To add insult to injury Panera charges $3.99 for a medium latte which is less as expensive than the more popular Starbucks version but twice the "nasty."

3. Starbucks

To be honest, Starbucks' pumpkin spice latte is only the most popular because the brand has become a superstar in the coffee-addicts world. Yes, it's good and it's much better when made with 2% milk and whipped cream over the healthier "skinny" version.

As an added bonus the red holiday cup makes it even tastier. But when compared to the next two latte brands it still doesn't get the gold medal.

2. Dunkin' Donuts

We're getting closer! Dunkin Donuts' pumpkin spice latte has less of the bitter, espresso bite. It might be our overly-caffeinated tastebuds but it also tastes like there's more of a pumpkin flavor in this delicious spectacle.

Dunkin Donuts also offers this drink in an iced version which is perfect for the 90 degree winters that Florida is prone too.

1. 7-Eleven

Holy pumpkin orgasm Batman! We've always been skeptical of gas station espresso machines. Do they actually have caffeine? I CAN'T TASTE THE ESPRESSO!

But manic, caffeine addiction aside, this latte literally tastes like a pumpkin made love to some vanilla pudding and had a beautiful baby.